Did you know that your Internet Explorer is out of date?

To get the best possible experience using our site we recommend that you use Google Chrome. To visit the Chrome download page, click the Get Chrome button below. Not using IE7? Refresh your browser and this message will go away!

Science and Nature Alive at Peirce

New science lab and learning garden energize school community

In their new, state-of-the-art science lab, students from Peirce Elementary will engage in hands-on learning while developing the skills they will need to be successful in a scientific world.

Last week’s dedication of the science lab included several local officials, among them Chicago Alderman Harry Osterman, State Representative Kelly Cassidy, and State Senator Heather Steans, who helped procure the $100,000 capital grant that made the project possible.

“I thank our state and local elected officials for their commitment to public education, in particular Peirce Elementary,” said Peirce principal Nancy Mendez. “Without their sharing our vision and investing in the future of young children, this venture would not have been possible.”

The dedication of the science lab comes just a week after another notable addition at Peirce – the opening of a new learning garden. This natural space is a project of The Kitchen Community – a nonprofit that works to connect children with real, wholesome food by creating outdoor classrooms and play spaces with edible vegetables.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain first-hand experience on how soil impacts the growth of plants,” said Nicholas Parsons, a science teacher in Peirce’s IB Program.

According to The Kitchen Community, learning gardens should be places where children want to play and teachers want to teach, thereby decreasing childhood obesity, improving academic performance, and strengthening communities.

“The learning garden will be a place where students have daily contact with nature and food which is vital for health and wellbeing,” said Principal Mendez. “We look forward to planting and harvesting our garden. We are honored to be the recipient of the one-hundredth learning garden in the city of Chicago.”

Connect

Quick Links

Chicago Public Schools is the third largest school district in the United States with more than 600 schools and serves 371,000 children. Our vision is that every student in every neighborhood will be engaged in a rigorous, well-rounded instructional program and will graduate prepared for success in college, career and life.